By Samuel A. March 23, 2024
The Three Lions of England suffered defeat against the Samba boys of Brazil on Saturday night, however, Gareth Southgate insists he was “pleased” with the team’s performance in their 1-0 defeat to Brazil, even though there were issues raised across the pitch. England were without a large part of their squad with Shaw, Trippier and Harry Kane missing out amongst others for the friendly and were beaten by a late finish from Endrick, leaving Southgate to pick out aspects of the game which encouraged him in his post match press conference.
“Clearly I don’t like losing football matches but I thought there were a lot of very good individual performances from players who have hardly played for England. More regular players were very good,” he said. “We had as many attempts on goal as they have and the difference was one moment.”
Three key issues will be in England supporters’ minds ahead of the next friendly with Belgium on Tuesday at Wembley, their final fixture before Southgate has to name his initial squad for this summer’s European Championships. He was right to point to the quality of the passing in the final third from Brazil on Saturday night, but there remains uncertainty in the England defence.
Harry Maguire made a familiar error which Raphinha should have punished, Lucas Paqueta hit the post after Ben Chilwell, who had a game he’d rather forget, went missing from left back in the buildup. Kyle Walker’s injury adds to the issue, with fellow right backs Kieran Trippier and Trent Alexander-Arnold also in the treatment room.
England are back in action again on Tuesday when they take on Belgium at Wembley in an international friendly.
